Minardi's theory, based on a Japanese source, is that Honda is pushing hard to bring not only Vettel to McLaren, but also his similarly-disgruntled Red Bull designer Adrian Newey.

On his website, Minardi claimed Bernie Ecclestone and Vettel met to discuss the possibility in Belgium, as the F1 supremo is close to the German and always keen to spread the best drivers across the top teams.

In Russia this week to drive the new Sochi layout in a road car, Vettel was asked if Newey's plans to step back at Red Bull affect his own plans for the future.

"No, I don't think so," the quadruple world champion answered, according to Speed Week.

"Adrian is a very ambitious man, and even if he says he wants to take things a little quieter, I believe - in a situation like now with Red Bull Racing - if we go back to the top, then his motivation will be restored.

"The enthusiasm for racing is simply in his nature -- and he cannot bear to lose!"

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